Lite Up the Holidays in Del Mar

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The Del Mar Fairgrounds are home to a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. When it comes to the holidays, the fairgrounds host a variety of winter-themed festivities that is sure to bring out your inner-holiday being.

The Holiday of Lights: The days of driving through neighborhoods to view the decked-out houses, in terms of lights, are a short distance behind us. Only since the largest animated drive-through light show on the West Coast is right at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. More than 400 twinkling themed displays will be located around the Racetrack. Some of the themes are Candy Cane Lane, Toyland, the S.D. County Fair, and the Twelve Days of Christmas. The 1.5-mile route takes about 20 minutes to drive around.

Bonus: If you happen to be one of the first 50 vehicles to tour the HOL on Tuesday, November 30, you’ll receive two movie passes from UltraStar Cinemas.

The famous light show will go on nightly until Sunday, January 2, 2011. Note: It’s closed for three Mondays: Nov. 29, Dec. 6, and Dec. 13. Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. $14 per car.Purchase tickets here.

The Holiday Hayride: Aboard the Hayride to view the light show spectacular, wagon-style. Immerse yourself in holiday spirit by spitting hot chocolate or cider and eating holiday cookies, while taking in the dazzling show. Before and after the hayride, enjoy live holiday music and fire pits for marshmallow-roasting to awaken your eager inner holiday being. Seating is limited so purchase tickets in advance. Fairground Box Office: (858) 792-4252. December 3, 10, and 17, every half hour from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $10 a person.

San Diego Holiday Arts Festival: The months would not be complete without some sort of season-realted activity. October has pumpkin-carving, April has egg-decorating and of course, November/December has shopping. Shop for unique holiday gifts from over 200 of America's best craftsmen (and women). The Fest is complete with circus acts, bands, dancers, magicians and carolers.